Skagit head longevity?

[neuronick]

I just switched my shooting line out last night and noticed that my Skagit head, a Rio 600 grn, had many cracks in it down to the core. I purchased this head last spring and fished it through the summer and this winter so far. I fish about once a week. I keep my line on the reel between trips, but the reel is always open to the air to dry out.

Is it normal for a head to crack like this after one year? How long do you guys usually use the same head? This is the first Skagit head I have owned, so I am not sure what to expect for longevity. Interestingly, even with all the cracks it still seems to cast fine - I would not have noticed if I hadn't been passing all the line through my fingers.

Thanks for any insight,

Nick

[MikeT]

That line shouldn't crack like that in less than a year unless it's been abused. Doesn't sound like that's the case.

I've heard that Rio had some problems with lines cracking like yours. I'd give them a call, or call the fly shop where you bought it. They have a good reputation for customer service in cases like this.

[EugeneFisher]

Rio will replace it, just drop them an email letting them know the problem. They just replaced a running line and floating line for me; both lines were a couple years old and had cracks throughout the lines. The new lines arrived in less than a week.

[neuronick]

As you guys suggested, I contacted Rio about my cracked Skagit head. They were very nice and had me send it in for warranty. I mailed it on Monday, they received it on Wednesday, and a brand new Skagit Flight head was on my doorstep this morning (Friday)! That is some great customer service. I don't have to spend even one weekend without my line.

Thanks Rio!

Nick